Prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C in blood donors of Karachi

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis B virus [HBV] and Hepatitis C virus [HCV] are two major public health problems in the country. The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C in voluntary non-remunerated and replacement donors in Baqai Medical University Hospital and PNS Shifa Karachi from April, 2005 to June, 2007. A total of 11459 donors were bled. Anti-HCV was found positive in 237 [2.068%] HBs Ag was positive in 196 [1.71%] and both were positive in 11 [0.095%] individuals. This study shows a higher prevalence of HCV than HBV infection in blood donors. The prevalence of HCV and HBV can be minimized by the screening of all donors for anti-HCV and HBs Ag and discouraging the use of unsterilized syringes